Upflow cooling stage for photoluminescence analysis

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods here may be configured for cooling and examining materials. In some example embodiments, the system may include a main thermoconductive body with indentations on the top surface, a bottom surface having legs structures along the edge, wherein the bottom surface and the plurality of leg structures form a partially enclosed bottom chamber, and a center channel connecting the top surface and the bottom chamber.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates to the field of gemological cooling, staging,and analysis.

BACKGROUND

Previously, spectroscopic analysis and viewing of gemstones in ambienthumidity and temperature conditions could cause irregularities anddistortions in close up imagery and hinder analysis. Thus, it may beuseful to cool gemstones and remove moisture around them in order toview and analyze them in conditions most suitable for analysis.

In some earlier embodiments, a cooling block was used to hold and coolgemstones for viewing and spectroscopic analysis. But such examples mayhave inherent features such as sample size and quantity limitations,inconsistent cooling, moisture and ice build-up on surface area ofsample and cooling apparatus, and difficult maneuverability of coolingapparatus.

Thus, a technical solution is required to solve a technical problem: howto efficiently cool gemstones and minimize moisture and ice buildup inan easy to use mechanism that is conducive to analysis. The technicalsolutions presented herein, solve these technical problems.

SUMMARY

Systems and methods here may be configured for cooling and examiningmaterials. In some example embodiments, the system may include a mainthermoconductive body with indentations on the top surface, a bottomsurface having legs structures along the edge, wherein the bottomsurface and the plurality of leg structures form a partially enclosedbottom chamber, and a center channel connecting the top surface and thebottom chamber.

In some examples, the thermoconductive material is selected from thegroup consisting of a metal, a carbon-based material, a ceramicmaterial, a thermal conductive composite, a thermal conductive polymer,an alloy, a silicate-based material, and combinations thereof. Thecooling stage of claim 1, wherein the thermoconductive materialcomprises aluminum, gold, silver, copper, bronze, molybdenum, tungsten,beryllium oxide, aluminum nitride, silicon carbide, brass, iron, steel,nickel, carbon steel, lead, gallium nitride, zinc, tin, a tungstencarbide, graphite, cadmium, germanium, magnesium, monel, palladium,platinum, rhodium, tantalum, thallium, thorium, titanium, vanadium, azinc alloy, a copper alloy, an aluminum alloy, a magnesium alloy, anickel alloy, a beryllium alloy, and combinations thereof. In someexamples, the indentations have flat bottoms for receiving a sample.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the embodiments described in thisapplication, reference should be made to the Detailed Description below,in conjunction with the following drawings in which like referencenumerals refer to corresponding parts throughout the figures.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an example embodiment of the systemdescribed herein.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of another example embodiment of thesystem described herein.

FIG. 1C is a detail view of FIG. 1B example embodiment of the systemdescribed herein.

FIG. 1D is a perspective view of an embodiment of the system describedherein.

FIG. 1E is a transparent perspective view of an embodiment of the systemdescribed herein.

FIG. 2A is a top down view of an example embodiment of the systemdescribed herein.

FIG. 2B is a bottom up view of an example embodiment of the systemdescribed herein.

FIG. 3A is a cut away view of an example embodiment of the systemdescribed herein.

FIG. 3B is a detail view of FIG. 3A, which is a cut away view of anexample embodiment of the system described herein.

FIG. 3C is a perspective view of FIG. 3A, which is a cut away view of anexample embodiment of the system described herein.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another example embodiment of the systemdescribed herein.

FIG. 5A is a top down view of an example embodiment of the systemdescribed herein.

FIG. 5B is a top down view of another example embodiment of the systemdescribed herein.

FIG. 6 is a cut away view of another example embodiment of the systemdescribed herein.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an embodiment of the system describedherein.

FIG. 7B is another perspective view of an embodiment of the systemdescribed herein.

FIG. 7C is another perspective view of an embodiment of the systemdescribed herein.

FIG. 8A is perspective view of an embodiment of the system describedherein.

FIG. 8B is another perspective view of an embodiment of the systemdescribed herein.

FIG. 8C is a cutaway view of an embodiment of the system describedherein.

FIG. 8D is a side view of an embodiment of the system described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of whichare illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following detaileddescription, numerous specific details are set forth in order to providea sufficient understanding of the subject matter presented herein. Butit will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the subjectmatter may be practiced without these specific details. Moreover, theparticular embodiments described herein are provided by way of exampleand should not be used to limit the scope of the invention to theseparticular embodiments.

Overview

Systems and methods here may be used to position gemstones forobservation. The positioning may include the use of a cooling blockstructure that is configured so as to overflow the gemstones with aliquid nitrogen film and purge the ambient atmosphere with cold nitrogenvapor to thereby remove any humidity or moisture on the gemstones. Sucha system may allow for better viewing and analysis of the gemstones thanif humidity or moisture are present and the gemstone is at ambientatmospheric temperature. In some examples, such a cooling block may bemade of a material that has a high thermal conductivity. In suchexamples, the cooling block material may act as a heat sink for anyobject which comes in contact with it. In such examples, the materialmay quickly and easily change temperature by cooling, for example, ifplaced in a bath of liquid nitrogen, and then maintain those lowtemperatures. In some examples, such a cooling block may be moved orotherwise maneuvered by a user through use of a detachable transferelement such as a handle, or hook, or screw eye which may be utilized tominimize or prevent direct user contact with the cooling block itself.FIG. 1A shows an example cooling block 100 further described below.

Cooling Block Composition Examples

In some examples, a cooling block may be made of a material that has ahigh thermal conductivity. Below are listed various materials andcombinations of materials that may be used to make such a cooling block.It should be noted that the lists below are not intended to be limiting.Any of various combinations of materials listed below or otherwise, maybe used to make up the block, to plate or clad the block, and/or to makeportions of the block.

In some examples, the cooling block body 100 may be made from a singlepiece of metal such as but not limited to, copper, gold, aluminum,molybdenum, tungsten, silver, bronze, beryllium oxide, aluminum nitride,silicon carbide, brass, iron, steel, nickel, carbon steel, lead, galliumnitride, zinc, tin, a tungsten carbide, graphite, cadmium, germanium,magnesium, monel, palladium, platinum, rhodium, tantalum, thallium,thorium, titanium, vanadium, a zinc alloy, a copper alloy, an aluminumalloy, a magnesium alloy, a nickel alloy, a beryllium alloy, and anycombinations thereof. In some examples, the cooling block may be made ofanother material such as diamond or other carbon form. In some examples,the block may be made of a combination of any of these materials listedin this paragraph and/or other materials. In some examples, the coolingblock may include layers of material such as an outside coating orplating of one or more of these materials listed in this paragraph. Insome examples, layers of material may be sandwiched together to form thecooling block. In some examples, the thermal conductivity of thematerial is over 30 or 50 W/m K.

In some examples, the block may be made of a metal matrix composite withceramic particles such as MN and silicon carbide SiC. In some examples,an aluminum matrix composite may be used. In some examples, a coppermatrix composite may be used with fillers such as carbon, tungsten,molybdenum, and/or Invar. In such examples, carbon fibers with adiameter of around 10 μm may be used with copper to form a matrixmaterial for the cooling block 100. In some examples, the carbon fibercopper matrix composite may be made by coating carbon fibers with copperand then diffusion bonding. In some examples, diffusion bonding may besintering.

In some examples, copper may be used with silicon carbide, titaniumdiboride (TiB2) and/or alumina. In using aluminum with copper, a powdermetallurgy may be used because of the difference in melting points. Insuch examples, a copper alloy may be used, such as Cu—Ag, to reduce themelting temperature. Such a method may include coating the matrix metalon the filler units, followed by pressing and sintering. Thus, mixingthe metal powder and coated filler is not necessary. In some examples, aBeryllium-matrix composite may be used.

In some examples, a carbon matrix composite may be used. In suchexamples, a carbon fiber may be used with a carbon, making acarbon-carbon composite. Such carbon-carbon composites may be made bymaking a pitch-matrix or resin-matrix composite and subsequentcarbonization of the pitch or resin to form a carbon matrix composite.After carbonization, the carbon matrix may be porous so pitch or resinmay be impregnated into the composite and then carbonization isconducted again and repeated to reduce the pores. In some examples,graphitization may follow carbonization by heating to 2000-3000 degreesC.

In some examples, a carbon and graphite composite may be made byconsolidating oriented precursor carbon fibers without a binder andsubsequently carbonizing and/or graphitizing. In some examples apyrolytic graphite may be encased in a structural shell. In someexamples, a pitch-derived carbon foam may be used.

In some examples, a ceramic matrix composite may be used. Such examplesmay include an SiC matrix composite made from a carbon-carbon compositeby converting the matrix from carbon to SiC [65]. Chemical vapordeposition may be used with AlN or Si. In some examples, an SiC-matrixmetal (Al or Al±Si) composite, as made by a liquid-exchange process, maybe used.

In some examples, a borosilicate glass matrix may be used (4.1 at 1 MHzfor B2O3-SiO2-Al2O3-Na2O glass). Tape casting may be used, followed bysintering. Another example is aluminum nitride with interconnected pores(about 28 vol. %), the composites of which are obtained by glassinfiltration to a depth of about 100 μm.

In some examples, the composites may be made using chemical vaporinfiltration in which carbonaceous gas is used to infiltrate thecomposite and decompose to form carbon.

Structure Examples—Top

In some example embodiments, the main structure cooling block is shownin example FIG. 1A. In FIG. 1A, the main cooling block 100 is generallyshaped as a cylinder with a top surface 110 and a flat edge 150. Itshould be noted that a cylinder is not the only shape the cooling block100 could take, it could be any number of shapes including but notlimited to a cube, pyramid, sphere, or other shape. The example of FIG.1 as a cylinder preferred embodiment is not intended to be limiting, andthe term block is not intended to convey any particular shape.

In the example of FIG. 1A, the cooling block 100 includes variousindentations or impressions 102 on its top surface 110. In someexamples, these indentations or impressions 102 may be considered openfaced compartments. These indentations 102 may be of various sizes, forexample, relatively larger sizes 102-1, medium sizes 102-2 and/orsmaller sizes 102-3. Any combination of these or other sized impressions102 may be configured into the surface 110 of the block 100 includingconfigurations with the same sizes. In some examples, the larger sizedindentations are flat bottomed and circularly/cylindrically shaped onthe surface 110 of the cooling block 100. In such a way, the flatbottomed circular indentations may hold a gemstone 180 in place by itstable or crown 182, with the culet or pavilion 184 facing or pointing upand away from the block 100 top surface 110. In some exampleembodiments, the diameters of these circular indentations 102 could be 4mm for the large 102-1, 2 mm for the medium 102-2, and 1.5 mm for thesmall 102-3. In some examples, the depth of the indentations 102 couldbe 0.5 mm from the surface 110 of the block 100. In some examples, thedepth may be between 0.1 and 0.7 mm.

In some examples, as shown in FIG. 1A, a center hole 140 is set in themiddle, or approximate middle of the block 100. In the example of FIG.1A, the center hole 140 includes internal threads which may mate withmatching threads 172 in a hook, or handle, or screw eye 170. In someexamples, this center hole 140 runs through the entire height of theblock 100. In use, the user could screw the handle 170 into the centerhole 140 in order to move and manipulate the block 100 without touchingor handling the block 100 directly. In cases where the block 100 is colddue to the liquid nitrogen bath, (see FIG. 6) this handle 170 allowsusers to avoid freezing their hands. It also allows for a removable butprecise way to maneuver the block 100. In some examples, the handle 170may be referred to as an eyebolt or screw eye and be made of stainlesssteel such as type “316” stainless steel.

Also shown in the example block 100 of FIG. 1A are castellated feet 128with alternating spaces, arches, gaps, cut outs, voids, or otherwiseindentations 130 which run around the circumference of the block 100 anddefine individual leg structures 128. In some examples, theseindentations 130 on the base of the block 100 may provide room formaterial to move under the block 100 as discussed below. In someexamples, the block 100 includes three feet 128 and three arches 130. Insome examples, four feet 128 and four arches 130 may be used. The numberof feet 128 and arches 130 may differ in various embodiments, with theconfiguration allowing material to move under the block 100.

In some examples, the channel 140 has a diameter that is between 5% and10% of the diameter of the main body or block 100. Some examples havediameters of the stage at 1⅝ inches (41.3 mm) and the hole diameter is5/32 inches (4 mm) (approx. 10%) Thread size in the center channel maybe 140-1 from FIG. 3A may be #10-24 and 0.16 inches deep in some exampleembodiments. Other various sizes or combinations of sizes may be used invarious embodiments, and these examples are not intended to be limiting.

It should be noted that the center hole or channel 140 in FIG. 1A maynot necessarily be the only hole or channel that is in an examplecooling block 100. In some examples, more than one hole or channel maybe configured in a block 100. In some examples, multiple holes may bepositioned in various places around the block and allow for similarnitrogen bubbling as described in FIG. 6. Such holes may be arranged inan annular configuration around the outside of the block 100. In someexamples, three holes may be configured in an equally spaced triangularshape around the rim of the block 100. In some examples, four holes maybe placed in a diamond or square corners positions around the outside ofthe block. In some examples, holes in the center of the block may beconfigured with holes around the outside of the block as well. Anycombination of these or other hole configurations may be used asdescribed herein.

It should be noted that the center hole or channel 140 may take any ofvarious shapes. It need not have a circular cross section. The centerhole or channel 140 may have a cross sectional shape of, but not limitedto, a circle, an oval, a polygon with 3 or more sides, a triangle, asquare, a rectangle, a diamond, a pentagon, a hexagon, a heptagon, anoctagon, and/or an irregular shape. In such examples, the handle 170 mayhave a corresponding shape and complementary ability to fasten, hook,latch, friction fit, or otherwise attach to the block 100.

FIG. 2A shows an example view from the top surface 210 of the coolingblock 200 with center line A running from left to right and center hole240. In the example of FIG. 2A, an example arrangement of indentations202 are shown on the block surface 210 but such an example is notintended to be limiting. Any arrangement of indentations may be formedin the top surface 210 of the block 200.

In the non-limiting example of FIG. 2A, twelve larger indentations 202-1are arranged in two rows on the block 200 surface 210. In the exampleshown, the center of the farthest row of large indentations 202-1 is10.5 mm from the center A of the block 200 top surface 210. In theexample shown, the closer to the center A row of large indentations202-1 is 5 mm from the center A. In the example of FIG. 2A, the threerows of medium indentations 202-2 may be arranged in three rows on theblock 200 surface 210 with the middle of one row running down the centerA of the block and the next two rows of medium indentations 4 mm awayfrom the center A as measured from their centers, making the center ofthe third row of medium indentations 202-2 a total of 8 mm away from thecenter A. In some examples, fifteen small indentations 202-3 may bearranged in three rows on the surface 210 of the block 200. In someexamples, the centers of the smaller indentations 202-3 are 12 mm, 15mm, and 18 mm, respectively from the center A of the block surface 210.

In some examples the indentations are evenly spaced from another centerline B running from top to bottom of the example block 200 of FIG. 2A.In such examples, the spacing of the rows of indentations 202 may besuch that each indentation is spaced evenly from one another to allowfor easier viewing. For example, the centers of the small 202-3 andmedium indentations 202-2 may each be set 4 mm from the verticalcenterline B. In some examples, the centers of the farthest largeindentations 202-1 may also be 16 mm from the center B but the secondset away from the center B may only be 10.7 mm away due to the largerdiameter of the larger set of indentations 202-1.

It should be noted that these sizes, arrangement, and numbers shown inFIG. 2A are not intended to be limiting but merely examples of how theindentations 202 are arranged.

In use, these indentations 202 serve as receptacles for any of variousgemstones which may be placed, one inside each indentation, with thetable or crown, on the flat surface of the indentation 202 so the culetor pavilion faces or points up as shown in FIG. 1A. Due to the varioussizes of indentations 202, various sizes of gemstones may be loaded intothe cooling block 200 top surface 210 indentations 202 for viewing.

Photoluminescence Spectroscopy, and/or UV-Vis Spectroscopy may beperformed with the gemstone samples inside the compartments/indentations202. Analysis could be performed using an optical probe or microscopeobjective such as in optical microscopy. Altering the design for tableup analysis is an alternative design option. Such an alternate designwould include indentations 202 that allow for the gemstone culet orpoint to be placed into the indentation and the table and crown to faceupward, from the surface of the block 200 as described in FIG. 1B-1E.

In some example embodiments, the cooling block 200 includes a flatportion 250 which is a removed portion or arc of the cylinder shape ofthe block 200. In such examples, such a flat portion 250 may be used foralignment purposes by the user of the block 200. By making one portionof the otherwise cylinder-shaped block 200 look distinct, and able to beeasily aligned, the rows of the indentations 202 can be aligned as well,and each gemstone can be mapped, cataloged, or otherwise plotted on thesurface 210 of the block 200.

Referring back to FIG. 1B shows an alternate design that allows theblock 101 to hold larger samples in a table up configuration, and couldaccommodate many sample sizes simultaneously with differently sizedindentations 102. The optional indentations 102-4 shown in the exampleof FIG. 1B could be cone shaped or cylinder shaped with beveled edgesand slits to accommodate a variety of gemstone cuts and sizes. In such away, the beveled edges and slits on the indentations may hold a gemstone180 in place by its culet or pavilion 184 with the table or crown 182,facing or pointing up and away from the block 101 top surface 110.

A detail of these optional slits and bevel features are shown in FIG.1C. FIG. 1C shows a detail top down view of the optional indentations102-4 with beveled edges 103 and slits 105. These beveled edges 103could allow for gemstones of many various sizes to be positioned in theindentations on the surface of the block with culet and pavilion sidedown, table side up, depending on the sizes of the slits. In such a way,the angles of the pavilion facet junctions may be supported, and the gemmay sit table side up, and culet down in the indentation 102-4, abovethe surface of the block.

The slits 105 in example FIG. 1C are shown as beveled channels that cutinto the surface of the block and provide a four corner surface on whichgemstones of various sizes could be placed. In some example embodiments,the slits 105 are four per indentation 102-4. In some examples,different number of slits 105 are included in each indentation 102-4.For example, an embodiments may include three slits 105 per indentation103-4. In some examples, only two slits 105 may be arranged perindentation 102-4. In some examples, five slits 105 may be included ineach indentation 102-4. Any number of slits could be used in varioussizes to accommodate various gems and culets, including any combinationof those described above.

In some example embodiments, these beveled edges 103 and slits 105 forthe indentations 102-4 may allow for liquid and/or gaseous nitrogen orother coolant to better surround the features of the gemstones placedinto the indentations 102-4. In such examples the slits 105 may act aschannels for the liquid and gaseous nitrogen to move around thegemstones and surround the various aspects of the gemstones, to bettercool them and remove moisture as described herein. In some examples, theslits 105 may hold the stone away from the edges of the indentation102-4 and thereby allow liquid and gaseous nitrogen to flow around thestones. Further, the slits may allow the liquid nitrogen to off-gas andrelieve pressure if the liquid nitrogen gets trapped in bottom of theindentation 102-4. The off gassing reduces shaking of the gem andstabilizes the gem for analysis.

Some embodiments add additional features to help with the circulation ofcoolant such as liquid and gaseous nitrogen. FIG. 1D shows an exampleembodiment where the larger indentations 102-4 include slits for largersample gemstones. In the example shown, additional holes 190 areintegrated in the side wall 150 and indentations 102-4 in order tofacilitate the circulation of gaseous and liquid nitrogen around thegemstones. Such circulation may aid in cooling but also alleviatepressure differences from above and below the sample gemstones placed inthe indentations 102-4. In some examples, these holes 190 may becircular and lead into the bottom or side wall of the indentations102-4. In some examples, these holes 190 may be slits or channels cutinto the block 103 and match up to the indentations 102-4.

FIG. 1E is a perspective view of the block 105 as in FIG. 1D but in atransparent manner, showing the interior surfaces of the block includingthe internal center channel 140 as well as the holes 190 cut into theside of the block 105 that connect to the bottom or side walls of theindentations 102-4 in the top table 110 of the block. As can be seen dueto the transparent diagram, the holes 190 that connect to theindentations 102-4 may allow material such as cooling material likeliquid nitrogen and nitrogen gas to flow around and through theindentations and through the side wall 150 of the block. It should benoted that the holes 190 are described as circular holes but could beany shaped channel, hole, slit, or other surface. The holes 190 need notbe circularly shaped as shown in FIG. 1D and FIG. 1E, they could beslits, square holes, triangularly shaped holes, or other shape.Additionally or alternatively, each indentation in 102-4 need not haveonly one hole but could have multiple holes connecting to the outsidesurface 150 or to other indentations 102-4 or central channel 140 or anycombination of these.

Structure Examples—Bottom

Certain example embodiments of the cooling block 100 described hereinmay include certain features on the bottom of the block, opposite thetop surface 110. FIG. 2B shows a bottom perspective of the block 200with some example features. In FIG. 2B, the bottom of the cylindricallyshaped cooling block 200 may be divided into an outer rim of castellatedleg structures 128 separated by spaces, arches, cut outs, voids, orotherwise indentations 230. In some example embodiments, the number ofleg structures 228 may be three, corresponding to three arches 230.Thus, for example, one leg 228-1 may be positioned evenly spaced fromthe second 228-2 and third 228-3 legs, by corresponding arches 230-1,230-2, and 230-3. In some example embodiments, these legs may be 8.3 mmthick, in other words, the legs may have the same outside edge as thecooling block itself 200 and be approximately 8 mm thick with acircumference which inside the outside, forming a rim around thecylindrically shaped cooling block 200. In some examples, the arches 230may be evenly spaced and around 9 mm wide. In some examples, the archesmay be 8.9 mm wide. In some examples, the arches 230 may be between 7and 9 mm wide. In some examples the arches 230 may be between 8.4 and9.5 mm wide. In some examples, the arches 230 are between 3 and 5 mmtall, cut into the height of the block 200. In some examples, the archesare 4 mm tall, making the legs 228, 4 mm tall as well.

In some examples, this rim of legs 228, spaced apart by arches 230 mayinterconnect a raised bottom portion 290. In other words, the examplearches 230 may be the same height as a raised bottom 290 of the coolingblock 100 which is then held up by a rim of leg 228 portions. In someexamples, this rim of legs 128 may be three legs. When the examplecylinder cooling block 200 is placed on a flat surface, the legs 128hold the cylinder block up and the arches 230 and raised bottom 290thereby form a void or chamber under the cooling block 200. In someexample embodiments, the block 200 includes a center hole 240 which runsall the way through to the cooling block to the top surface 210. In someexamples, this center hole 240 is 4 mm in diameter. In some examples, itis between 3 and 5 mm in diameter. The bottom chamber 290 has a heightthat is between 5% to 10% of the height of the main body or block 200.

Internal Feature Examples

FIG. 3A shows an example cut away view of the inside of thecylindrically shaped cooling block 300. In the example cut away view,the indentations 320 are visible along the surface 310 of the block 300.Also visible is the raised bottom 390 and the legs 328. Also visible inthe cut away view of FIG. 3A is the center hole 340 running from the topsurface 310 to the bottom 390, all the way through the center of theblock 300. In some examples, the center hole 340 may be considered achannel connecting the surface 310 and bottom 390. In the example ofFIG. 3A, the top of the center hole 340 includes threads 340-1 which mayinteract with some sort of transfer element such as a handle or hook 370with corresponding threads 372 or mating screw threads. In such a way,the block 300 may be transported or moved by a handle or hook 370without having to touch the block 300 itself, but by merely screwing ina handle or hook 370 by the threads 340-1 in the center hole 340. Such ablock structure 300 and handle 370 arrangement would allow for a user tomove or transport the block 300 without having to directly touch orhandle it. In examples where the block 300 is cooled by liquid nitrogen,such a removable handle 370 would protect a user from the cold. In theexample, the center hole 340 also includes a main shaft 340-2 below thethreaded portion 340-1. In some examples, the entire length of thecenter hole 340 may be threaded, and in some examples, only a portion ofthe center hole 340 may be threaded 340-1.

FIG. 3B shows a side cut away detail view of FIG. 3A. In some exampleembodiments, the inlet to the center channel 340 from the underside 390includes structures 342 that are cut from the bottom 390 of the block300 and are configured to hold or retain a filter 342-1 in place. Insome example embodiments, the filter may be held in place to the bottom390 of the block 300 by a washer and a retention clip. FIG. 3C shows anexploded view of these features.

In some example embodiments, a portion 342 is cut into the raised bottom390 around the center hole 340, but with a larger diameter than thecenter hole 340 and may form a recessed portion or more than onerecessed portion 342 in the block 300 in order to accommodate variousfeatures such as a filter. Other such portions 342 may be cut or formedfrom the bottom 390 of the block to retain, hold or otherwise secure awasher. Such a washer may require a slightly larger diameter recess342-2 than the recess holding the filter 342-1 such that the washerwould overlap the edge of the filter 342-1 and still not block thefilter. In some example embodiments, a third recess 342-3, with adiameter less than that for the washer 342-2 and closer to if not thesame as the diameter of the recess for the filter 342-1 may be used tosecure a retention ring. Such a retention ring may be circularly shapedthat is secured in the circumference of the recessed portion 342-3 witha spring force that holds it into position in the recess 342-3. Anotherdetail of such retention ring is shown in FIG. 3C.

In some examples, this recessed portion 342 is circularly shaped andbetween 12 and 13 mm in diameter. In some examples, this recessedportion 342 is 12.7 mm in diameter. In some examples, the recessedportion 342 includes more than one diameter recessed at different depths342-1, 342-2, 342-3. In such examples, the first 342-1, 12.7 mm diameterrecess may be 0.5 mm deep and a second recess 342-2, is 13.4 mm indiameter and cut 0.6 mm deep. In some examples, the second recess 342-2may be between 13 and 14 mm in diameter.

Within these recessed portions 342-1, 342-2 and 342-3, as shown in FIG.3B and also FIG. 3C, any of various washers, retention clips, filters,caps, and/or retaining bolts may be used to secure a filter 360 or otherdevice which is mounted near or over the center channel 340, this filter360 may filter material such as ice from the liquid nitrogen as liquidnitrogen flows up through the center channel 340.

In any embodiment described herein, the filter 360 may be a Wire Meshsuch as Type “316” Stainless Steel Wire Cloth Disc. In any embodiment,the mesh and wire size could vary, for example, it could be Mesh 20×20with a wire diameter of 0.016 inches, Mesh 40×40, with a wire diameterof 0.010 inches, and/or a Mesh 100×100, with a wire diameter of 0.0045inches. These or any other sized filter mesh could be used.

FIG. 3C shows a perspective underside view of FIG. 3A. In FIG. 3C, theunderside of the block 300 is shown with a filter 360 washer 362 andretention clip 364 holding the filter 360 in place. As described in FIG.3B, the three recessed portions 342 in the underside 390 of the block300 may have circumferences that correlate to the filter 360, washer 362and retention ring 364. For example, the deepest recessed portion 342-1may be the same circumference or just slightly larger circumference asthe filter 360 such that the filter may be placed into the recess 342-1and cover the center channel 340. Then, a washer 362 may be fit in overthe filter 360 in a recess 342-2 that is slightly larger in diameterthan the recess for the filter 342-1. In such a way, the washer 362 maycover the edge of the filter 360 and even overlap the edge of the filter360. In some example embodiments, this larger diameter recess 342-2 mayserve as its own way to secure the washer 362 which may have acircumference the same as or slightly smaller than its respective recess342-2 such that it may fit into the recess 342-2 and form a seal. Insome example embodiments, the recessed portions 342 are the samediameter and even the portion that the washer 362 fits into is the same.In such examples, only the retention ring 364 may hold the washer inplace, not the recessed portion 342-2 itself. In some embodiments, thewasher 362 may be stainless steel, such as type “316” stainless steel orany other material, such as but not limited to rubber, plastic, latex,and/or polyurethane, or any combination of these and the retention ring364 may also be stainless steel such as 18-8 stainless steel or anyother kind of material.

In some example embodiments, a third recessed circumference 342-3 isformed in the bottom 390 of the block 300. In some example embodiments,this third recessed portion 342-3, has a circumference slightly smallerthan that for the washer 342-2. In such a way, a lip may be formed tohelp secure the washer 362 in its respective recess 342-2. In someexample embodiments, the recessed portion 342 is the same circumferenceand only the retention ring 364 holds the washer 362 and filter 360 inplace.

In some example embodiments, the retention ring 364 is a spring forceelement that may be deflected to fit into its respective recess 342-3but only by slight bend or deflection of the ring 364. The ring 364 maynot be completely formed, and a gap 366 in the ring 364 may allow it tobe bent slightly and then retain a spring expansion force. In suchexamples, the retention ring may exert a force against the walls of itsrecessed portion 342-3 and thereby hold itself in place. In suchexamples, the retention ring 364 may thereby hold the filter 360 and insome example embodiments the washer 362 in place as well. In someexamples, the retention ring 364 may be made of metal such as aluminumor steel, or rigid plastics capable of being slightly deflected, yet berigid enough to impart a return spring force that may act to retain theretention clip 364 in place.

In some examples, a third layer of recess 342-3 is cut into the bottomraised portion 390 of the cooling block 300 around the center hole 340.In some examples, this third recess 342-3 may be 0.7 mm deep and 13.4 mmin diameter. In some examples, the third recess 342-3 may be between 13and 14 mm in diameter.

Alternative or Additional Block Embodiment Features

In some examples, the cooling block may be configured with a differentarrangement of indentations 420 than that shown above. FIG. 4 shows anexample block 400 with 24 indentations arranged in rows and columns,evenly spaced on the surface 410 of the block 400. The center hole 440is shown where one of the indentations may otherwise be placed. Theindentations 420 in this example are uniformly shaped and distributed onthe block 400. Other embodiments or combinations may include variousarrangements of indentations 420.

FIG. 5A shows a top down view of the example block 500 from FIG. 4 withflat portion 550 and five rows and five columns of evenly spacedindentations 502 on the block surface 510. The center hole 540 is shownwhere one of the indentations 502 would otherwise be located.

FIG. 5B shows a block 501 example, with additional or alternativefeatures, from a top down view of the example block from FIG. 1B withflat portion 550 and the indentations cylinder shaped indentations 502.In the example of FIG. 5B, some of the indentations include bevelededges and slits 502-4 to accommodate a variety of gemstone cuts andsizes held in a culet down, table up fashion. As shown, any number andvariety of sizes of indentations, with or without the beveled sides andslits could be included in the surface of the block 501. The examplelayout designs in FIGS. 5A and 5B are merely examples. Any combinationof indentations may be built into the block 501 as discussed herein.

It should be noted that in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the flat portion 550 couldbe arranged on any side of the block surface in any kind ofconfiguration in order to provide a visual queue to a user as to theorientation of the block. The flat portion 550 may be another shape orinclude features such as bumps, ridges, waves, or other visual features.The flat portion 550 may be concave, convex, or other visuallyidentifiable shape.

Block Use Examples

FIG. 6 shows examples of any of the variations of the cooling block inuse as described herein. In the example, the block itself 600 is sittingin an open container 670. The example open container in FIG. 6 includeswalls 672 and a bottom 674. In some example embodiments, the containeris made of insulating material such as but not limited to Styrofoam,polystyrene, or other material with a low thermal conductivity. In someexample embodiments, the bottom 674 is flat to evenly support anyobjects or liquid placed on it. In some example embodiments, the coolingblock 600 is placed in this container 670 in use.

In some examples, when a gemstone or gemstones are being inspected, eachgemstone is placed, on or in the indentations of surface 110 on block600, and block 600 is fully or partially immersed within and in directcontact with the liquid-phase coolant in open container 670. Forphotoluminescence spectroscopic analysis, the diamond or gemstone may bepositioned table-up. In some examples, when in use, the height of liquidnitrogen or other coolant should be less than the total height of theblock and greater than the height of the arches (130 in FIG. 1A, etc.)to allow liquid nitrogen or other coolant to flow through the verticalchannel (140 in FIG. 1A, etc).

In some example embodiments, the container bottom 674 is not acompletely flat bottom but includes a rim which allows ambient air to betrapped between the surface the container 670 is resting on, and thebottom of the open container 670. In some example embodiments, such arim may both support the container 670 and also allow warmer, ambientair to flow and/or sit under the container 670. Such a cooling apparatusand method may reduce or eliminates gas bubbles in 660 and help controlthe intensity of coolant evaporation.

As shown in the example in FIG. 6, the cooling block 600 is resting inthe open container 670. In the example, a coolant such as a liquid 660may be placed into the container 670. Such a liquid may be used to coolthe block 600 and also purge the atmosphere at the liquid-air interfacein container 670 around the block 600 as coolant evaporates and formsvapor. In some examples, the liquid 660 is liquid nitrogen.

When the liquid nitrogen 660 or other coolant is placed into the opencontainer 670, it may then surround the cooling block 600 and flow inand around the bottom of the block 600. When the coolant 660 is added,the space above liquid-phase coolant may fill with the gaseous phase ofcoolant 660. As such, any kind of probe (not pictured) used in analysismay be positioned within this gaseous phase during the inspectingprocess.

Such a cooling apparatus and method may reduce ambient humidity andatmosphere at liquid-air interface. As a result, light may pass in andaround the samples and block 600 without interruption while keepinghumidity down. Thereby, an object can be tested for a much longer timewithout concern that coolant will quickly evaporate and object willbecome frosted.

In example embodiments in which the block is made out of thermallyconductive material, the block 600 will cool to nearly, or to the sametemperature of the liquid nitrogen 660. Thus, anything that comes incontact with the block 600 will also be rapidly cooled, such as agemstone which may be placed into the indentations on the surface 610 ofthe block 600 as described herein.

As described in FIG. 2B and FIG. 3A, the bottom of the block 690 mayinclude both legs 228 and arches 230 (from FIG. 2B) that together withthe raised bottom 690, form a chamber 668 inside and under the block 600when sitting in a normal upright position, as shown in FIG. 6. The block600 also includes a central hole or chamber 640 which runs from thesurface 610 to the bottom 690 of the block. In use, due to thetemperature differences in the liquid nitrogen 660 and ambient air andblock temperatures, the liquid nitrogen may boil and vaporize when itcomes in contact with the air and block. This may produce an envelopingcloud of nitrogen gas.

In some example embodiments, the air trapped under the container 670 byway of the bottom rim 674 may aid in the boiling process by placingwarmer air under the container 670 floor. When the nitrogen boils 600,nitrogen gas may bubble up 680 through the central hole 640 and spillout 682 onto the surface 610 of the block 600, thus enveloping the blockfrom the top. In the example embodiments where the indentations areformed on the surface of the block 610, a layer of liquid nitrogenand/or vaporized nitrogen may flow over 682 the indentations and/orgemstones placed in the indentations. In so doing, the layer of coolednitrogen 682 may cool the gemstones as well as surround the gemstones innitrogen gas. In some embodiments, this may help remove moisture fromthe gemstones and thereby avoid interference from ice crystals becausethe liquid nitrogen film insulates the gemstones from moist in theambient air.

In some examples, the open container 670 may be made of Styrofoam orother similar insulating material with low thermal conductivity. In someexamples, the open container is made of fiberglass, polyurethane,polystyrene, glass, and/or plastic.

It should be noted that any kind of sample could be cooled and analyzedin a similar fashion. The use of gemstones as the objects being cooledand analyzed is merely an example and not intended to be limiting.Biological samples may be cooled and analyzed in a similar way. In suchexamples, the indentations on the block may be altered or adjusted toaccommodate whatever material or object is under inspection or to becooled.

More Alternative or Additional Block Embodiment Features

FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C show perspective views of different cooling blockembodiments for a single stone, including embodiments with layered fins.In such examples, the layered fins provide more surface area for theblock which is able to cool quicker than if the block did not have suchfins. Such fins might also allow the liquid/gaseous nitrogen to reachthe stones faster.

The example of FIG. 7A shows the block arranged with layers of fins 710.These fins 710 are shown as rings encircling the central portion 720. Inthis embodiment of FIG. 7A, the block is similar to those in previousembodiments, with the addition of layered rings 710 adding surface areato the block.

FIG. 7B shows another embodiment of the block 701, where the ring shapedfins 712 include or are separated by notches 714 or cutouts in eachlayer. These example notches 714 are shown as V shaped cutouts on eachlayered ring 712 to add surface area to the block. In such examples, thelayered rings 712 are cut or formed with portions missing, to form thenotches 714. These notched formations could be created by removing orgrinding the layered rings 712 out of one block of material, or could bemade by assembly, and attaching each layered ring 712 to a central core720. In such examples, the layered rings 712 could be held in place byany number of ways including but not limited to a tongue and groove, awedge, a screw portion, a snap portion, or other way. The V shapedcutouts 714 are shown only as an example, and the notches 714 could beany shape for example trapezoidal, rectangular, circular, slits, orother shape. The example shown in FIG. 7B where all the notches line up,is not intended to be limiting. In some examples, the notches 714 couldbe alternating for each layer 712. In some examples, the layers andnotches could be offset, creating a spiraling set of notches around theblock 701.

FIG. 7C shows another design block 703 with different features whichcould be employed alternatively or additionally. In the example of FIG.7C show the fins 712 and cutout notches 714 but also shallow fins ornodes 730, in this example, at the top of the block 703. These nodes 730in this example are protrusions that stick out from the main block 703core and thereby increase the surface area of the overall system. Theexample shows these nodes as rectangular in shape but various examplescould have rounded nodes, triangularly shaped nodes, waves, hexagonalnodes, or any other shape that protrudes from the block 703 to addsurface area. The figure depicting a rectangular shape is not intendedto be limiting. In the example, a main base 732 holds up and supportsthe tower of fins 712 and shallow fins 730 and the top gem supportstructure 720.

FIG. 8A shows a perspective drawing of the block system 801 as shown inFIG. 1A, etc. with central channel 840, top table 810, base channel 830,indentations 802, flat face portion 850, but also additional, optional,features such as fins 812 and grooves 816 that add surface area to theblock 801, more similar to the designs of FIG. 7A-C. In such examples asFIG. 8A, the additional features of fins 812 could be any number in sizeand be of any thickness. In the example, the same piece of materialincludes removed grooves 816 cut into the block 801 to form the fins 812at regular intervals up the side of the block 801 sides. Theseconcentric ring grooves 816 forming the concentric ring fins 812 may beany depth, including but not limited to 1-5 mm, 5-10 mm, 10-50 mm, orany intermediary depth. In some example embodiments, the fins 812 andgrooves 816 could be of different widths in different portions of theblock 801 and may not be uniformly spaced or shaped, as shown in FIG.8A. In some examples, as in FIG. 8A, the grooves 816 and fins 812 may beuniformly shaped and spaced.

FIG. 8B shows a back side perspective of the same embodiment shown inFIG. 8A. It should be known that the fin 812 and groove 816 featurescould be integrated with any of the other examples described herein,including the variously shaped indentations, slits and channels, orother features in any combination or permutation.

FIG. 8C shows an example cutaway view of the same example block 801 asshown in FIG. 8A. In the cutaway view, the main central channel 840 isshown with the top including thread or screw features for mating with ahandle/screw eye. The fins 812 are shown as concentric rings around thebody of the block 801 interspersed by concentric ring grooves 816. Themain channel 840-2 is shown connecting the top table 810 and bottomsurface 890 with the feet 828 and arches 830 as in the other exampleembodiments in FIGS. 1A-B etc.

As can be seen in FIG. 8C, the example shows that each of the fins 812has a slight chamfered edge and the grooves 816 are not cut at 90 degreeangles to the block 801. In some examples, the fins could be cut at 90degree angles, but in the example in FIG. 8C, the fins 812 have thickerportions toward the inside of the block 801 than the outside. Thisexample, alternatively or additionally, has a groove 816 that is thinnertoward the inside of the block 801 and slightly wider at the outside ofthe block 801.

FIG. 8D shows a side view of the example of FIG. 8A-C but not as a cutaway as in FIG. 8C. FIG. 8D shows the fins 812 and the bottom arches 830as well as the other optional features such as the grooves 816. As canbe seen in the example of FIG. 8D, the fins are slightly thicker towardthe inside of the block 801 than the outside, thus the chamfered edgesurface 818 of each fin 812 can be seen in the figure. As described,these chamfered edges are optional and could be implemented in anembodiment or not.

CONCLUSION

The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has beendescribed with reference to specific embodiments. However, theillustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or tolimit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modificationsand variations are possible in view of the above teachings. Theembodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and its practical applications, to therebyenable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention andvarious embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and thelike are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to anexclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in a sense of “including,but not limited to.” Words using the singular or plural number alsoinclude the plural or singular number respectively. Additionally, thewords “herein,” “hereunder,” “above,” “below,” and words of similarimport refer to this application as a whole and not to any particularportions of this application. When the word “or” is used in reference toa list of two or more targets, that word covers all of the followinginterpretations of the word: any of the targets in the list, all of thetargets in the list and any combination of the targets in the list.

Although certain presently preferred implementations of the inventionhave been specifically described herein, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art to which the invention pertains that variations andmodifications of the various implementations shown and described hereinmay be made without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention be limitedonly to the extent required by the applicable rules of law.

The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has beendescribed with reference to specific embodiments. However, theillustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or tolimit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modificationsand variations are possible in view of the above teachings. Theembodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and its practical applications, to therebyenable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention andvarious embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

Although some presently preferred implementations of the embodimentshave been specifically described herein, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art to which the embodiments pertain that variations andmodifications of the various implementations shown and described hereinmay be made without departing from the spirit and scope of theembodiments. Accordingly, it is intended that the embodiments be limitedonly to the extent required by the applicable rules of law.

We claim:
 1. A cooling stage, comprising: a main homogenous solid bodyformed of a non-insulating thermo-conductive metal material, the mainhomogenous solid body including, a top surface including a plurality ofindentations, wherein the plurality of indentations each have side wallsand a flat bottom formed from the main homogenous solid body ofnon-insulating thermo-conductive metal material, wherein a depth of theplurality of indentations from the top surface is between 0.1 mm and 0.7mm, wherein the plurality of indentations include at least threegroupings, a first grouping of indentations that have a smaller diameterthan a second grouping of indentations, the second grouping ofindentations having a larger diameter than the first grouping ofindentations, and a third grouping of indentations, wherein eachindentation of the third grouping of indentations comprises at least twoslit indentations radiating from a respective indentation of the thirdgrouping, wherein each slit extends beyond the circumference of therespective indentation of the third grouping; a bottom surface of themain homogenous solid body made of non-insulating thermo-conductivemetal material having a plurality of leg structures along the edge ofthe bottom surface, each leg formed from the main homogenous solid bodyof non-insulating thermo-conductive metal material, wherein between eachleg structure is an arch, and wherein the bottom surface and theplurality of leg structures form a partially enclosed bottom chamber;and a channel through a center region of the main homogenous solid body,connecting the top surface and the bottom chamber.
 2. The cooling stageof claim 1, wherein the non-insulating thermoconductive metal materialcomprises aluminum, gold, silver, copper, bronze, molybdenum, tungsten,beryllium oxide, aluminum nitride, brass, iron, steel, nickel, carbonsteel, lead, gallium nitride, zinc, tin, a tungsten carbide, graphite,cadmium, magnesium, monel, palladium, platinum, rhodium, tantalum,thallium, thorium, titanium, vanadium, a zinc alloy, a copper alloy, analuminum alloy, a magnesium alloy, a nickel alloy, a beryllium alloy,and combinations thereof.
 3. The cooling stage of claim 1, wherein theplurality of indentations comprises compartments of different sizes. 4.The cooling stage of claim 1, wherein the main body has a top dimensionand a bottom dimension that are the same.
 5. The cooling stage of claim1, wherein a horizontal cross section of the main body has a shapeselected from the group consisting of a circle, an oval, a polygon with3 or more sides, a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a diamond, apentagon, a hexagon, a heptagon, an octagon, and an irregular shape. 6.The cooling stage of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of legstructures has a horizontal dimension that is larger than that of thearch between two leg structures.
 7. The cooling stage of claim 1,wherein the plurality of leg structures comprises two to six legstructures.
 8. The cooling stage of claim 1, further comprising: ahandle capable of securely engaging with the main body of the coolingstage.
 9. The cooling stage of claim 8, wherein the handle is configuredto engage with the channel by screw threads on the channel and matchingscrew threads on the handle.
 10. The cooling stage of 1, wherein thechannel has a horizontal dimension that is between 5% and 10% of thehorizontal dimension of the main body.
 11. The cooling stage of claim 1,wherein a horizontal cross-section of the channel has a shape selectedfrom the group consisting of a circle, an oval, a polygon with 3 or moresides, a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a diamond, a pentagon, ahexagon, a heptagon, an octagon, and an irregular shape.
 12. The coolingstage of claim 1, wherein the bottom chamber has a height that isbetween 5% to 10% of the height of the main body.
 13. A cooling system,comprising: a cooling stage, wherein the cooling stage comprises: a mainhomogenous solid body formed of a thermoconductive material, the mainhomogenous solid body further comprising: a top surface including aplurality of indented compartments, wherein the plurality of indentedcompartments on the top surface each include sidewalls and a bottomformed from the main homogeneous solid body, wherein a depth of theplurality of indented compartments from the top surface is between 0.1mm and 0.7 mm, wherein the plurality of indented compartments includeindentations with at least two different diameters, wherein at leastsome indentations include at least two slit indentations radiating froma respective indentation beyond the circumference of the respectiveindentation; a bottom surface having a plurality of leg structures alongthe edge of the bottom surface, wherein each leg structure is flanked bya space on either side, and wherein the bottom surface and the pluralityof leg structures form a partially enclosed bottom chamber; and achannel through a center region of the main homogenous solid body,connecting the top surface and the bottom chamber; a container in whichthe cooling stage is placed, the container having a continuous liparound its bottom edge, the lip forming a recessed bottom; and a coolantinside the container, the coolant surrounding the cooling stage.
 14. Thecooling system of claim 13, wherein the container has a flat innerbottom surface in contact with each leg structure.
 15. The coolingsystem of claim 13, wherein the container is made of a thermo-insulatingmaterial.
 16. The cooling system of claim 13, wherein the coolant isliquid nitrogen.
 17. The cooling system of claim 13, wherein thethermoconductive material is selected from the group consisting of ametal, a carbon-based material, a ceramic material, a thermal conductivecomposite, a thermal conductive polymer, an alloy, a silicate-basedmaterial, and combinations thereof.
 18. The cooling system of claim 13,wherein the thermoconductive material comprises aluminum, gold, silver,copper, bronze, molybdenum, tungsten, beryllium oxide, aluminum nitride,silicon carbide, brass, iron, steel, nickel, carbon steel, lead, galliumnitride, zinc, tin, a tungsten carbide, graphite, cadmium, germanium,magnesium, monel, palladium, platinum, rhodium, tantalum, thallium,thorium, titanium, vanadium, a zinc alloy, a copper alloy, an aluminumalloy, a magnesium alloy, a nickel alloy, a beryllium alloy, andcombinations thereof.
 19. The cooling system of claim 13, wherein atleast one indentation has a flat bottom for receiving a sample.
 20. Thecooling system of claim 13, wherein a horizontal cross section of themain homogenous solid body has a shape selected from the groupconsisting of a circle, an oval, a polygon with 3 or more sides, atriangle, a square, a rectangle, a diamond, a pentagon, a hexagon, aheptagon, an octagon, and an irregular shape.
 21. The cooling system ofclaim 13, wherein each of the plurality of leg structures has ahorizontal dimension that is larger than that of a space between two legstructures.
 22. The cooling system of claim 13, wherein the plurality ofleg structures comprises two to six leg structures.
 23. The coolingsystem of claim 13, wherein the height of the lip along the bottom edgeof the container is adjustable.